Courses

Building Information Modeling Workshop
The foundational Building Information Modeling course introduces techniques for creating, managing, and applying building information models in the building design and construction process. The course covers processes and tools for creating, organizing, and working with 2D and 3D computer representations of building components and geometries to produce models used in architectural design, construction planning and documentation, rendering and visualization, simulation and analysis.

Computer Integrated Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) Global Teamwork
AEC students engage in a crossdisciplinary, collaborative, geographically distributed, and multicultural project-based teamwork. AEC teams exercise their domain knowledge and information technologies in a multidisciplinary context focusing on the design and construction concept development phase of a comprehensive building project. Prerequisite: interview with Instructor in Autumn Quarter.

Life Cycle Assessment for Complex Systems
Life cycle modeling of products, industrial processes, and infrastructure/building systems; material and energy balances for large interdependent systems; environmental accounting; and life cycle costing. These methods, based on ISO 14000 standards, are used to examine emerging technologies, such as biobased products, building materials, building integrated photovoltaics, and alternative design strategies, such as remanufacturing, dematerialization, LEED, and Design for Environment: DfE. Student teams complete a life cycle assessment of a product or system chosen from industry.

Advanced Topics in Integrated, Energy-Efficient Building Design
Introduction to innovative methods and systems for the integrated design and evaluation of energy efficient buildings. Guest practitioners and researchers in energy efficient buildings present the implementation of cutting edge building systems. Student initiated final project will involve creating a building energy model for a mixed-use commercial building.

Infrastructure Project Development
Infrastructure is critical to the economy, global competitiveness and quality of life. Topics include energy, transportation, water, public facilities, and communications sectors. Analysis of the condition of the nation's infrastructure and how projects are planned and financed. Focus is on public works in the U.S. The role of public and private sectors through a step-by-step study of the project development process. Case studies of real infrastructure projects. Industry guest speakers. Student teams prepare project environmental impact statements.

Infrastructure Project DeliveryInfrastructure is critical to the economy, global competitiveness and quality of life. Topics include energy, transportation, water, public facilities, and communications sectors. Analysis of how projects are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained. Focus is on public works projects globally, alternative project delivery approaches and organizational strategies. Case studies include three real infrastructure megaprojects managed by the Instructor while in Industry. Eight integrated guest lecturers from Industry supplement specific functional areas of expertise. Student teams prepare competing design/build/finance/operate/maintain (DBFOM) proposals for a large infrastructure project.

Global Infrastructre Projects SeminarNine current global infrastructure projects presented by top project executives or company leaders from industry. Water, transportation, energy and communication projects are featured. Course provides comparisons of project development, win and delivery approaches for mega-projects around the world. Alternative project delivery methods, the role of public and private sector, different project management and construction strategies, and lessons learned. The course also includes field trips to local mega-projects.

Organization Design for Projects and CompaniesIntroduction to organizational behavior and organizational design for construction projects and companies. This class incorporates readings, individual, small group and large group case study assignments. Students use computer simulation to design real-world project organizations.

Building Systems
Explore HVAC, lighting, and envelope systems for commercial and institutional buildings, with a focus on energy efficient design. Gain vital knowledge and skills to play a role in the development of low-energy buildings that provide a high quality environment for occupants. The focus of lectures and assignments is the design of new buildings, but most of the concepts also apply to existing buildings.

Donald R Watson Seminar in Construction Engineering & Management
A series of ten presentations by key leaders from a range of top companies in the construction industry. Following each presentation there are focused 1-1 discussions with speakers and their associated company team members regarding career options in various segments of the industry.